I realize that the only thing fancy about the looks of this Slow Cooker Blackberry Fancy may be the actual dish I chose to serve it in, but don't let that fool you...it tastes a whole lot better than it looks!!!

As a food blogger, it's not always easy to get attractive pictures of foods that really don't want to cooperate with the camera. This Slow Cooker Blackberry Fancy is certainly one of those stubborn foods, but that didn't detour me from wanting to share this delicious recipe with you.

As we all know, slow cooker dishes are quite popular these days and this one does triple duty because it can be served as a breakfast, brunch or even dessert. Layers of cubed French bread, blackberries and cream cheese nestle together in the cooker. Then a mixture of eggs, milk and spices get poured over the top and cook on high for 2-3 hours until the eggs are almost set. Next, a simple syrup is poured over the ingredients, gently stirred, and allowed to finish cooking for an additional hour to absorb the syrup.

The results is a creamy, bread pudding like dessert that has a sweetness from the simple syrup and a slight tart and freshness from the blackberries. It may not be the fanciest thing you'll ever serve, but it will make a lasting impression on your taste buds. :)

Here are a few of the step-by-step photos so you can see the process of putting this Slow Cooker Blackberry Fancy together. The recipe follows.

Use a serrated knife to cut the French bread and an 8 ounce block of cream cheese into cubes.

Layer 1/3 of the bread, cream cheese and blackberries in the slow cooker. Repeat two more layers. Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the layers in the cooker.

Cover and cook for 2-3 hours. Pour the hot simple syrup over the contents in the cooker and stir well to combine. Uncover and cook for an additional hour. Serve warm with maple syrup if desired.

Another thing I love about this recipe (besides the looks, haha) is that it makes enough for leftovers. At least it did for us, so I packed some up and gave it to my 94 year old father-in-law who is now only able to eat soft and pureed foods. Just make sure you warm it up and it will be delicious the second time around too.

-Layer 1/3 of the bread cubes, cream cheese and blackberries in the cooker. Repeat the same process for 2 more layers, making 3 layers total.
-In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the contents of the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours.
-In a medium sauce pan over medium heat, dissolve the sugar completely in the water until boiling.
-Pour the boiling water over the contents of the cooker and gently stir to combine.
-Continue cooking on high, uncovered for 1 additional hour or until the simple syrup is completely absorbed.
-Spoon the Blackberry Fancy into bowls and serve hot with maple syrup if desired.

If you're looking for more berry delicious recipes, how about this one for

And now for something just as colorful and a whole lot fun. What's that? You need a little "clue"? Professor Plum, in the kitchen, with the chef's knife. Chop. Chop :)

If there is ever anything I can paint for you, please don't hesitate to contact me or visit my shop which is located within the navigation bar. Custom orders are always welcome, and I can work from any photo or description you send my way.

Kudos Kitchen by Renée ~ Where food, art and fun collide on a regular basis!